If you want to buy in Sound Beach
The small business district is seen in the mostly residential community of Sound Beach. (May 9, 2013) Credit: Ed Betz
Up until about the 1940s, Sound Beach was a summer community. Today, most homeowners are full-time residents, says Bea Ruberto, who has lived in Sound Beach for more than 30 years and is president of the Sound Beach Civic Association. "It's a middle class, close-knit community with a lot of young families," Ruberto adds.
The area is "hilly, woodsy and charming," says Millie Thomas, broker-owner of Landmark Realty of Long Island, noting that bluffs overlook the Long Island Sound. Though Sound Beach is largely residential, there are some churches, eateries and businesses.
Residents shoot down to Route 25A to Miller Place or Rocky Point for everything else they need, says Rose Marie Princi, owner-broker of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Homes.
Neighborhoods feature an eclectic mix of homes ranging from winterized bungalows to postmodern styles generally priced from the $200,000s to the $400,000s.
Scotts Beach, in the Miller Place school district, is a private community where prices can range from the $200,000s to above $2 million, Princi says.
To gain access to the beach, Sound Beach residents must join the Sound Beach Property Owners' Association.
Erosion and stormwater drainage issues were exacerbated by superstorm Sandy. Regarding drainage, Councilwoman Jane Bonner says a solid temporary fix is in place until the problem can be resolved permanently.
RENTALS
Start at about $1,300 for a two-bedroom house
SALES PRICES
From April 1, 2012, to May 1, 2013, there were 57 sales, with a median price of $207,400, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $70,000, and the high was $461,000. From April 1, 2011, to May 1, 2012, there were 62 sales. The median price was $224,250, with a low of $115,000 and a high of $560,000.
ATTRACTIONS
"Celebrate Sound Beach weekend, which is scheduled for July 20 and 21 this year, includes yard sales, open houses and specials at local restaurants.
BY THE NUMBERS
Town: Brookhaven
Area: 2.7 square miles
ZIP code: 11789
Population: 7,401
Median age: 35.6
Median household income: $81,868
Median home value: $215,000
LIRR time to NYC: From Port Jefferson, 1 hour, 36 minutes to 1 hour, 53 minutes at peak
Monthly ticket: $363
School districts: Students attend either Miller Place or Rocky Point
Sources: 2010 Census; mlslI.com; LIRR;
*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI
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